NOW-NYC Endorses 22 Pro-Women’s Rights Candidates

Calls Out Five “Not Now, Not Ever” Candidates

NEW YORK, NY (August 21, 2017) – The National Organization for Women – New York (NOW-NY) announced a slate of endorsements for 21 City Council races in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens and Public Advocate today. NOW-NY endorsed candidates who champion core issues such as reproductive rights, fighting income inequality, and ending violence and discrimination against women and girls.

In addition to its endorsements, NOW-NY also released their “Not Now, Not Ever” list, naming five candidates that should never be allowed to represent the people of New York City based on their records of bigotry, homophobia, or aggression towards women. State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. is a staunch opponent of reproductive rights and LGBTQ rights; Hiram Monserrate was convicted for dragging his girlfriend through the lobby of his apartment building and later served time in jail for stealing public funds; Allan Jennings was censured by the New York City Council after five colleagues claimed sexual harassment; Thomas Lopez- Pierre has a history of anti-Semitic statements and violated an order of protection; and Councilmember Fernando Cabrera praised Ugandan leaders after they passed laws criminalizing homosexuality.

“NOW-NY stands by 21 candidates for New York City Council who championed healthcare access, workplace rights, and economic equality and exemplified progressive values,” said Sonia Ossorio, president of the National Organization for Women – New York. “In contrast, those on our ‘Not Now, Not Ever’ list don’t deserve the privilege of representing the people of our city. We will not tolerate candidates with records reflective of the bigotry and misogyny of the Trump White House. This is how we fight back locally—New Yorkers must make change at the ballot box, holding our elected officials accountable, while bolstering and empowering true leaders to continue to lead.”

The National Organization for Women – New York (NOW-NY) advocates for women and girls across our state by working to defend reproductive rights, fight economic inequality, and end discrimination and violence against women.